Kevin McGonigle has won the American League Rookie of the Year award, giving Detroit its first winner since Michael Fulmer in 2016. The result was announced on the evening of 9 November in the United States.
McGonigle received 28 of the 30 first-place votes, Associated Press reported. Cleveland's Parker Messick and Boston's Payton Tolle were the other finalists.
Batting production supports the award
The Detroit infielder finished the season with a .278 batting average, .376 on-base percentage and .430 slugging percentage. He added 18 home runs, 72 runs batted in and 12 stolen bases, according to Sportsnet's season-statistics summary.
Messick's pitching season produced a 12–9 record, a 2.56 earned-run average and 193 strikeouts. Tolle finished 9–6 with a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts. The American League shortlist therefore brought an everyday position player into competition with two starting pitchers.
More awards this week
The Baseball Writers' Association of America says voting took place before the postseason. The award consequently recognises regular-season performance.
Its announcement programme continues with Manager of the Year on 10 November, followed by the Cy Young and Reliever of the Year awards on 11 November and Most Valuable Player on 12 November. The scheduled MLB Network shows begin at 7 p.m. Eastern time.
Source: www.news4jax.com
